Gatton Academy – Page 35 – The Gatton Academy News

Gatton Academy Team Named National Champions (Division I) in Knowledge Masters Open Competition

December 12, 2012 | Academics, News, Students | No Comments

A team of juniors and seniors from the Gatton Academy was named National Champions in the Knowledge Master Open for Division I (enrollment under two hundred) High Schools.

Thousands of students throughout the country and in many foreign countries competed on December 5 in the 59th Knowledge Master Open academic competition. During the competition, high school teams competed via computers to answer two hundred questions from a variety of subject areas ranging from American history to biology to the fine arts.

The Gatton Academy team was comprised of Noah Dixon, Ben Koehler, Vishnuteja Tirumala, Natasha Richardson, Grace Babbs, Nitin Krishna, Ajit Deshpande, Austin Smith, Joseph Crafton, and Nathaniel Clause and answered one hundred and eighty-five questions correctly out of the two hundred. In addition to the team being named National Champion amongst Division I schools, the Gatton Academy placed third in the state of Kentucky.

Chad Phillips, assistant director for admissions and public relations, stated that Gatton Academy students excel in a variety of academic areas in addition to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

“Since the Gatton Academy emphasizes mathematics and science, many individuals are surprised to learn that our students are equally strong in other academic areas such as the economics and geography,” Phillips said. “While our students intend to pursue advanced careers that require substantial study in mathematics and science, we are pleased to know that our students are becoming well rounded problem solvers that can handle the challenges of a 21st century economy.”

The Knowledge Master Open was designed to stimulate enthusiasm for learning and recognition for academic accomplishment. The contest runs on classroom computers to all students the opportunity to compete in a large academic event without the expense of traveling to a central site. Results of the contest are tabulated into overall, state, and enrollment-size rankings by Academic Hallmarks, a Colorado publishing firm that hosts the event.

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Gatton Students Participate in KYA and Return Home with the New Governor-Elect

December 6, 2012 | Uncategorized | No Comments

[fblike] Issac Kresse

On November 29, a delegation of five Gatton students headed to Louisville to participate in the Kentucky Youth Assembly Conference (KYA). KYA is a mock government conference where students from across Kentucky develop and debate legislation learning firsthand the legislative process. Issac Kresse, Leah Cannady, Lexi Sunnenberg, and Samantha Dinga served as bill authors at the conference. Their bill proposed extending Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) and Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) to couples in an abusive relationship that are not married and do not have a child together. The bill successful passed the Senate Committee. However, the bill was ultimately defeated by a small margin in the Senate.

While the majority of the Academy delegation participated in the legislative program, Naomi Kellogg was busy running for the office of Governor. Naomi focused her campaign around the idea of “Think Big” and how youth can create positive change in their local community. Naomi’s hard work paid off as she became the first Governor to be elected from the Gatton Academy. Two other Academy delegates received individual awards at the Conference. Lexi Sunnenberg was named outstanding delegate, while Samantha Dinga received the Outstanding Speaker Award.

The Kentucky YMCA Youth Association develops engaged citizens and servant leaders, inspired to affect change in their school, community, Commonwealth, nation, and world. Through experiential learning, service, and community activism, the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association fosters critical thinking, leadership, and social responsibility in teens. http://kyymca.org/

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Alumni 5Q: Joseph Groom

November 27, 2012 | 5Q, Alumni, News | No Comments

[fblike]Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
I was a member of the first class to graduate from the Academy in 2008. I’m sure that things were a lot different when I was enrolled, but I personally had a great time being a “guinea pig”. I struggled through Computational Problem Solving but enjoyed my Biology and Chemistry classes. The research I was able to do with Dr. Jacobshagen prepared me for later research projects and internships. I made a number of great friends that year with whom I still keep in regular contact—in fact, I went on a road trip with four of them just this summer.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
Attending the Academy prepared me to succeed in college and graduate school, but it also did wonders for my social development. Living 24/7 with three people in my suite, twenty on my hall and one hundred and twenty in the whole building was an intensive course in human behavior and sociology. I learned how to treat people well and to rationalize issues rather than blowing up about them. Sometimes I learned these things the hard way, but I’m glad I learned them. On another note, I learned very quickly that all-nighters are not the way to do well on tests or to learn material.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
I majored in Molecular Biology and German at Vanderbilt University studying abroad in Germany my junior year. Now I’m in my first semester of a Ph.D. program in Genetics at the University of Georgia. Recently, I submitted a National Science Foundation grant for a project on plant biomass breakdown by thermophilic bacteria, a process which has applications for the development of plants as a bioenergy source.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
I hope to receive a Ph.D. in about 5 years and to continue doing research in a bioenergy-focused laboratory. Eventually I want to lead a research team either at a university or a research institute.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
The “Pop, Lock & Drop It” song was pretty popular at the time, and I distinctly remember participating in a few lobby dance parties at night before curfew. Also, lunches and dinners with friends at Garrett and DUC were always a lot of fun.

We would like to thank Joseph for taking time out of his busy semester to be interviewed.
If you are alumni or know of an alumni that would make a great spotlight please contact Chad Phillips, Asst. Director of Admissions and External Relations, at chad.phillips@wku.edu. We look forward to spotlighting even more alumni in the Spring term.

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Gatton Academy Alumni Survey

November 26, 2012 | Alumni | No Comments

Every semester, the Gatton Academy updates its Alumni files. If you are an academy alumni, please take the time to fill out the form below. The information collected from this survey helps the Gatton Academy stay connected with its alumni.

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Alumni 5Q: Michael Phillips

November 13, 2012 | 5Q, Alumni | No Comments

[fblike]
Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
The Academy was a life changing experience that allowed me to grow both academically and professionally. Specifically, living with passionate and scientifically minded peers allowed me to develop a new appreciation for science and mathematics. Attending the Gatton Academy was a once in a life time opportunity. It helped me shape and define my future career as a scientist.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
While at the Gatton Academy I learned skills that I will utilize throughout my life. I learned to write code, integrate and differentiate functions, work in a lab, create deadlines, manage resources, present my work at scientific conferences, and more importantly ask for help. I use these skills everyday as an aspiring physicist.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
Currently, I am attending Auburn University pursuing a dual degree in Wireless Engineering and Physics. Along with my formal academic studies, I have been working on a research team that is investigating highly energized lithium plasma. Finally, I have become quite active in the Society of Physics Students at Auburn University.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
In the next few years, I will be graduating from Auburn University. After I complete my undergraduate studies, I plan on earning doctorate in physics. Eventually, I hope to become a professor/researcher at a university.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
I do not have a single favorite memory from the Gatton Academy. While attending the Academy, I developed new “favorite” memories almost every day. Nevertheless, here are a few of my “most favorite” memories: cooking bacon in every microwave on my wing, winning the scavenger hunt every year, generating random graphs in the lobby, and having my next-semester courses approved by April Gaskey.

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Alumni 5Q: Celia Whelan

October 26, 2012 | 5Q, Alumni | No Comments

[fblike]
Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
My experience at Gatton was phenomenal and life-changing. I was surrounded by other students who were academically focused. Attending a school with like-minded peers allowed me to excel because we all pushed each other to become better students. Simply, my time at Gatton made me much more self-motivated and dedicated student.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
Gatton opened up so many doors for me. I am only 19 and already I’ve been a co-author on a paper published in a scientific journal, participated in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU), and presented my research at national meetings. Being at the Gatton Academy introduced me to the worlds of chemistry and research, and for that I am grateful.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
After Gatton, I decided to stay at Western Kentucky to continue my studies. I am majoring in chemistry with minors in both math and music and I’ve been very involved in research. Here at WKU, my research focuses on eliminating the toxicity of the anticancer drug cisplatin and making the drug more effective. To broaden my horizons, this past summer I attended a NSF-REU at Western Washington University where I conducted research on the synthesis of flexible conducting polymer films for use as artificial muscles and brain stimulators. Finally, I have been really involved in chemistry tutoring which has been instrumental in helping me discover my passion for teaching.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
In the next ten years, I hope to have my Ph. D. in chemistry and be teaching at the collegiate level. I also hope to be working on the frontier of biomedical research.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton?
One of my absolute favorite memories from Gatton would have to be the game of “Ultimate Mud Frisbee.” It had just finished raining, so obviously we all thought it would be a great idea to play a game of ultimate frisbee in the mud!

We would like to thank Celia for taking time out of her schedule to be interviewed.

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Alumni 5Q: Sam Crocker

October 19, 2012 | 5Q, Alumni, News | No Comments

[fblike] Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
I had the good fortune to attend the Gatton Academy at a time when the culture of the Academy was in its infancy. As such, my class and the class above us were able to explore just what was possible at the Academy. We were the first students to acquire research positions, and also had the opportunity to join clubs and social organizations on campus. These opportunities allowed us to establish the Gatton Academy as a visible presence on Western Kentucky University’s campus.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
My experience at Gatton was extremely beneficial. I had an incredible opportunity to get a head start on my undergraduate education, as well as a chance to develop and mature as a person. The skills I developed there have allowed me to succeed in both my education and social life in college.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
Currently, I am a biochemistry major at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. I’ve worked for two years as a researcher in the biochemistry department with a focus on oxidative damage in liver mitochondria. This fall my research was published in Toxicology Letters. I also had the opportunity to present at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) this past March. I am currently in the process of applying to medical school.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
I hope to have completed medical school and be working on my residency.

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
I actually have two. When I was a first year, I joined with several of my fellow 4th floor hall-mates and took the Ping-Pong table into our wing common room after curfew. I procrastinated on a biology lab assignment so that I could participate in our late-night tournament. My other favorite memory is from senior year. The week before spring finals, a group of Academy students and myself dressed as superheroes and went to the “Free Comic Book Day” event at a local comic book store. It was only when we arrived that we realized we were the only ones in costume…Good times.

We would like to thank Mr. Sam Crocker for taking time out of his schedule to be interviewed. Next week we will be spotlighting Ms. Celia Whelan.

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Alumni 5Q: Tyler Clark

October 14, 2012 | 5Q, Alumni | No Comments

[fblike] Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
The Gatton Academy provided me with the unique experience of taking college courses while being dually enrolled in high school. The advanced courses allowed me to better understand and pursue my academic interests. I owe my thriving interest in mathematics to my experiences at the Academy and all the mathematicians I met as a result of the Gatton experience.

How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
Growing up in a small town, the Gatton Academy was my first real introduction to cultural diversity. Being exposed to cultural diversity at a young age has helped me to accept others who have different views than me. Also, the Academy taught me to identify and respect the strengths of everyone around me. Furthermore, it has opened many doors for me both academically and professionally including my work at The Center for Gifted Studies (WKU) and studies skills coordinator at the Academy.

Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
I graduated from the WKU Honors College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. During my undergraduate studies, I completed an honors thesis entitled “Counting Locally Convex Topologies on a Totally Ordered Finite Set.” After finishing my undergraduate studies, I decided to stay at WKU to complete a master’s degree in mathematics. During my graduate studies, I became editor-in-chief of the AMS Graduate Student Blog (http://mathgradblog.williams.edu). I graduated from WKU again with my master’s degree in May 2012 completing a thesis entitled “Continued Radicals and Cantor Sets.” I am currently in my first semester of a mathematics doctoral program at The University of Central Florida.

What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
In the next ten years, I hope to have completed my PhD and have taught in Europe for at least one year. Also, I hope to return to WKU to teach in the mathematics department. Finally, I would like to become more involved in the American Mathematical Society (AMS).

What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
The Academy has given me many fond memories. Nevertheless, I would have to say all of the balancing and juggling acts performed by Tim Gott to “teach” us life lessons would be my favorite.

We would like to thank Tyler for taking time out of his schedule to be interviewed for this article. Next week, we will be spotlighting Sam Crocker, Class of 2009.

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Intramural Sports

October 11, 2012 | Student Life, Students | No Comments

[fblike]By: Kesi Neblett

Although the Gatton Academy students are not able to compete in Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) sanctioned sports, Gatton students still find ways excel on the field and court. The Academy allows students to participate in intramural sports at Western Kentucky University creating a great release from the stress of research projects and strenuous classes.

The Gatton Academy Co-ed Flag Football team, the Pre-Schoolers have been tapping into their inner Alabama on South Campus intramural fields. The PreSchooler’s female players are enjoying being able to participate in a male dominated sport and last week Hannah Pennington was voted game MVP. Under the leadership of Blake Hawley and Ryan Gott, the PreSchoolers have gone 0-2, but they are hoping to change that this week in their match versus Western’s Farmhouse.

The variety of intramural sports offered allows Academy students to stay active in their own way. Elite, the Gatton Academy Women’s volleyball team has gone 6 and 1 over the month of September and October. The team was named the divisional champions this week beating Western’s Kappa Delta Gold team.

Overall, Gatton Academy students have been taking advantage of the physical wellness opportunities Western has to offer and are leaving their mark on campus in and outside of the classroom. Gatton students are showing that they do not only excel at academics, but athletically, as well.

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Alumni 5Q: Dalton Hubble

October 5, 2012 | 5Q, Alumni, Uncategorized | No Comments

[fblike] By: Academy Staff

Q: Can you describe your experience at the Gatton Academy?
A: My experiences at Gatton in 2007-2009 provided me with the opportunity to break out of the sluggish curriculum at my regular school, engage with academically focused peers, and pursue my academic interest more intensely. While at the academy, I was able to explore my STEM interests, take introductory classes at WKU, and perform research in university laboratories. The early start in collegiate technology fields gave me time to explore possible careers in chemical engineering and physics, before I decided that the computer science was right for me.

Q: How have your experiences at the Gatton Academy helped you in your adult life?
A: My work at Gatton enabled me to go from living in rural Kentucky to studying at MIT and gave me a real chance to pursue my passions among the best. I’m now a senior at MIT, majoring in Computer Science and Engineering. I’ve worked at the MIT nuclear reactor and MIT computer science laboratory as an undergraduate researcher and I’ve interned as a software developer at Microsoft.

Q: Since the Academy, what have you been up to?
A: My current studies include operating system design, natural language processing, web development, and distributed systems. I am also a teaching assistant for 6.170 a course on web software development. This year, I’ll be completing my bachelor’s degree and next year, I’ll be staying at MIT for an additional year to pursue my Masters in Computer Science and Engineering with a focus on systems engineering.

Q: What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?
A: In the next ten years, I hope to be closely involved in cutting edge work to develop the future of the internet, mobile and beyond. I also work on several stealth mode projects that I hope to expand and grow.

Q: What was your favorite memory from your time at the Gatton Academy?
A: My favorite memories from the academy were the small things: the eccentric conversations, the casual meals I would have with dorm-mates, and going on late night runs around campus.

We would like to thank Dalton for taking time out of his schedule to be interviewed for this article.

By Gatton Academy

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